After drilling and completions, an offshore well had lower-than-expected production due to unforeseen sanding at the perforation zone. To increase well production, SLB attempted to deploy an explosive jet cutter to cut the tailpipe of the completion string and reperforate a different reservoir zone. However, formation sand prevented access past the newly perforated zone. Slickline bailers were deployed to clear the debris to little avail. Even after one week of well cleanout operations, the tools could only clear half the sand buildup.
The operator began evaluating a sidetrack well to reach the target reservoir. However, SLB proposed an alternative solution—ReSOLVE iX intelligent extreme wireline intervention service, which included the first commercial deployment of the mechanical tubing cutter tool worldwide.
SLB mobilized the entire ReSOLVE iX service to the site in just 10 days. First, SLB used the ReSOLVE iX active debris removal tool to clear the perforation zone—vacuuming the remaining 7 m of sand in just one day. Next, the wireline team deployed the ReSOLVE iX tubing cutter to cut away the lower portion of the completion. SLB positioned the nonexplosive tubing cutter at target depth and confirmed tubing separation in real time. The entire operation was executed as planned with zero NPT.
The successful wireline intervention finally enabled the operator to perforate the sandstone below the completion using the HSD™ high shot density perforating gun system, boosting well production 25% higher than planned. By recompleting the existing well and avoiding the sidetrack, the operator saved approximately 30 days of offshore rig time and 4,500 metric tons of CO2e.
